A new school in Naples, Florida · Founding year 2026–2027

Rooted in Nature.
Focused on Mastery.

A small academy where mornings are for classical academics and afternoons are spent outdoors: in the garden, with the animals, and with each other.

A smiling young student
Kindergarten & 1st gradefor the founding 2026–2027 year
Full-time, Monday to Fridayin-person, with afterschool options
Intentionally small classesso every child is known

A day at Sunset Haven

Thinkers in the morning. Builders in the afternoon.

Children learn best when focused study and real, hands-on work belong to the same day. Ours is built around both.

Mornings · Immersive Learning

Focused classical academics

Our mornings are devoted to focused, immersive instruction in classical academic subjects, building strong thinkers with the discipline and confidence to master complex ideas.

  • Phonics, handwriting, and math
  • Small-group instruction with individual attention
  • Mastery shown by teaching it back

Afternoons · Exploration

Outdoors, in the garden and with the animals

The rest of the day is spent outdoors, where children learn as they do best: through movement, exploration, gardening, and caring for animals, engaging their bodies while developing responsibility, stewardship, and respect for God's creation.

  • Gardening and small-scale farming
  • Animal care and real chores
  • Life skills that carry home

Rooted in purpose

Growing in integrity, leadership, and responsibility

Students grow through mentorship, peer collaboration, and meaningful work. Older students support younger learners, present what they've mastered, and take ownership of their progress. Mastery is demonstrated through teaching, discussion, and real application.

We begin with one assumption: every child is capable of extraordinary growth.
Carly Mather, founder of Sunset Haven Academy

Carly MatherFounder & Head of School

About our founder

A calling to restore what childhood was meant to be

Sunset Haven Academy was founded out of a deep calling to honor our children through education and to restore what childhood was always meant to be.

Carly's journey into education began with a profound return to faith in her early adulthood, shaping her understanding of the responsibility adults carry in forming the next generation. Guided by prayer, her calling led her to work closely with children in both ministry and educational settings.

For more than eight years, Carly worked with children in a church ministry, witnessing firsthand how deeply children flourish when they are truly seen, supported, and held to loving standards. She later pursued training in organic farming and taught in early childhood classrooms, bringing together faith, classical learning, and hands-on education.

Today, Carly leads Sunset Haven Academy with a commitment to nurturing our children's minds, bodies, and spirits.

How enrollment will work

Three simple steps for founding families

Nothing to commit to today. Joining the list just means you'll hear from us first.

  1. 1

    Join the interest list

    Tell us a little about your family below. We'll keep you posted as Sunset Haven takes shape and let you know the moment applications open.

    Now
  2. 2

    Meet Carly

    A conversation about your child, our approach, and whether we're a good fit for each other. Once the grounds are ready, we'll invite founding families to walk them.

    Fall 2026 onward
  3. 3

    Apply for 2026–2027

    Applications are prayerfully reviewed, and families who appear to be a strong fit are invited to enroll. Class sizes stay intentionally small.

    When applications open

Questions families ask

Good to know before you reach out

Who is Sunset Haven Academy planning to serve?

Our founding year (2026–2027) is for Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Class sizes are intentionally small to allow for meaningful relationships and individualized attention.

Is this a full-time program?

Yes. Sunset Haven Academy will operate Monday through Friday as a full-time, in-person program. The school day combines structured classical academics with outdoor, experiential learning. Afterschool programs will be available as well.

What happens after I join the interest list?

We'll be in touch personally with details as the school takes shape, and you'll be the first to hear when applications open. Applications are prayerfully reviewed, and families who appear to be a strong fit will be invited to a meeting. Joining the list doesn't commit you to anything.

Where is the school located?

Naples, Florida. We'll share the exact location with interested families as plans are finalized.

Founding families

Join the interest list

Tell us a little about your family and we'll keep you in the loop as Sunset Haven comes to life. No commitment, and we won't share your information.

We'll only use this to keep you updated about Sunset Haven Academy.

Interested in teaching with us? Send your resume to info@sunsethavenacademy.com